The question by chemrox on magnesium amalgam reminded me to ask a question related to my battery (primary cell) experiments.
I am experimenting with
Magnesium rod cathode | magnesium sulfate slurry | porous pot | copper sulfate slurry | copper foil anode
I expect water to be consumed as CuSO4.5H20 + 2H2O + Mg++ > MgSO4.7H2O + Cu++
my main aim is to produce a 100 uA current for a century with a motor (E-Z Spin) or LED load.
The magnesium rods were advertised as 99.99% purity
to reduce corrosion of the Mg rod due to impurities in the rod I am considering either
A) amalgamating the surface with mercury
B) 'activating' the surface with iodine
I'm not too keen on A as it will eventually become toxic waste (hopefully after I'm dead)
but I am tempted by the potential increase in longevity of the cell.
I really do not know if B is viable.
any opinions ?
EDIT: I only have materials for two full-scale cells which require about 1 lb. CuSO4.5H2O per 18mm dia. x 100mm Mg rod
one will be simple, the other with the A or B option maybe (t.b.d.)
![[*]](images/xpblue/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
